The Best Dog Socks
Buying footwear for your furry friend is an important decision. You want to get a pair of socks that will protect his paws, but they should also be comfortable and have a snug fit. We researched all the best socks and booties on the market to round up the best choices for your pet. Whether you need soft socks for pitter-pattering around the kitchen, durable booties for tromping outdoors, or versatile footwear that can transition indoors and out, there's a choice for you. Before you know it, your dog will be hopping up and down at the sight of his socks.
What to Look For
When shopping for dog socks, you should consider the size of your dog‘s paws, the climate you live in, and the type of activity your dog will be participating in. You should also consider the materials the socks are made from, as different materials have different benefits and drawbacks. Our favorite pair are from PawZ thanks to their comfortable, versatile design. But we also loved the socks from RC Pet, which feature adorable and unique designs. Read on to learn more about these options and to find a pair of socks that is right for your pup.
PawZ Color Dog Booties
For a rainy day
Bright and colorful, these rubber booties are amazing at protecting your dog’s paws from the elements. They’re easy to slip on and they don’t have the bulk of many outdoor booties. Plus, the rubber is non-slip, so your dog will be able to run around with ease. If you are constantly cleaning up after dirty paw prints, these booties will be the perfect way to save your towels while letting your dog run free. These boots are a size small, but the product itself comes in a size Tiny-Extra Large.
Pros:
- Comfortable for your dog
- Easy to wear
- Bright colors mean they won’t get lost
- Affordable
Cons:
- Made for small dogs, although you can buy a larger size from the same company
RC Pet Products Pawks Dog Socks
Super snuggly
Do you have an elderly dog who keeps slipping on the kitchen tiles? Are you trying to keep a young pup from licking her feet? No matter the reason, these cute socks are a good choice. Made for the indoors, they come in a wide array of designs so you can get a customized option for your dog. On the bottom of each sock is an anti-slip paw print. These socks are the ideal way to keep your dog safe and warm indoors, in style. They come in sizes from XXS-XL.
Pros:
- Great for indoors
- Anti-slip
- Cute designs
Cons:
- Only made for indoor use
QUMY Dog Boots Waterproof Shoes
Tough stuff
From QUMY comes a durable and cute dog bootie. Built with two velcro straps, they’re easy to slip on your dog’s paws, even if she’s a wriggly girl. Each boot features a paw print embroidery and a reflective strip that will shine in the dark, so you can feel safe walking your dog after hours. We especially loved the measurement chart that comes with these boots, making it incredibly easy to pick the right size. If you have an active dog who can cover a lot of miles in a day, these sturdy shoes are the perfect choice because they will last in all kinds of weather.
Pros:
- Waterproof
- Easy to slip on
- Thick soles will protect against rocks, thorns, cold, heat
- Reflective for walking in the dark
Cons:
- May be too bulky for everyday, indoor use
My Busy Dog Water Resistant Dog Shoes
Durable design
These boots will keep your dog safe and playful. Available in three different sizes for small, medium, and large dogs, each boot is made with easy-to-fasten straps that glow at night to keep your canine visible. The soles are durable and will protect your pet’s paws against all kinds of weather. Even better, these boots are a gift that keeps on giving. My Busy Dog is a family-owned business, and they operate a program called Paw for Paw that goes to help dogs in need. Helping your dog can help another dog — what’s better than that?
Pros:
- Reflective strips to keep your dog visible at night
- Anti-slip soles
- Comes in three sizes
- Proceeds go to a good cause
Cons:
- More expensive than other brands
Expawlorer Waterproof Dog Boots
Reflect and protect
If you live in a snowy area, you probably get tired of wiping your dog’s paws off every time he comes inside. But why restrict your dog’s fun just to protect your floors when you can have it both ways? From Expawlorer come these comfortable, waterproof boots that will keep your dog happy and keep your home clean. We love how easy it is to adjust the velcro strips for a snug fit. We tried these boots on our most rambunctious runners, and the dogs didn’t even notice they were there.
Pros:
- Easy to slip on and off
- Flexible fastening
- Snug fit
- Excellent traction
- Great size for medium and large dogs
Cons:
- Not a good fit for small dogs
Frequently Asked Questions
My dog keeps wriggling away from me. How do I get these socks on his feet?
Ooh, we know that feeling. Although it can be tough (because you just want to tell him this is for your own good!) the best thing to do is stay patient. Let your dog get used to the socks first. Let him sniff them. It can also help to work in smaller increments. Put on one sock at a time and reward him right away with a treat. The next time, put the sock or boot on a different foot. Don’t be worried if it takes you up to a month to get all the socks on his feet. Remember, socks and boots are here to keep your dog safe and comfortable, so even if it takes a long time in the beginning, it will be worth it in the long run.
Can I let my dog run on the hot cement in his socks?
Socks are usually made for indoor use, while boots and booties are made for the outdoors. Letting your dog run around on the hot cement with his socks is about the same as running around on the cement with your own socks. They might protect you once or twice, but they won’t hold up over time. If you want to take your dog on especially hot or cold surfaces, the best thing to do is buy him some rubber-soled booties.
Will dog socks keep my dog from licking his paws?
Yes! Dog socks are a great way to put a little barrier between your pet’s mouth and his tasty… um… feet. Just make sure that the socks fit on your dog’s paws snugly. If they are too loose, he might pull them off with his teeth and get right back to licking. Most dog sock brands come in a variety of sizes, and many also have exact measurement tools so you can get the right size for your good boy.
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